150 years ago William Morris and pioneers of the Arts & Crafts Movement rejected mass production in favour of the unification of art and craft in which the designer and workman were united. This Movement was not just a style Movemet but it was a social movement with a conscience. From this legacy a celebration of what was great in British decorative arts of the past can still be found in the hand crafted pieces being made today.
We are showcasing some beautiful Art Glass from today’s gifted designers: Lucy Batt, Brett Manley and Maria Fagan. We have collaborated with the furniture designer Tom Aylwin to showcase his wonderful sculptural landform hand-crafted chests. We have recently begun a couple of collaborations with Paul Ackland and Daryl Greenham, whereby we are developing some new ranges of hand-crafted furniture, encompassing the Arts & Crafts ethos. These superb craftsmen are working with us to create a traditional design but adding a contemporary touch, suited to 21st Century living.
A man should not be cut off from the full effect of his work...
if art is to live and not die, mens work must be so arranged
that they may be able to keep their souls alive...the craftsman must come before the merchant,
and the machine must be subservient to the hand of man.
William Morris 1834-1896
